PROGRAM
Do you have a scalable idea and are you looking for support to bring your research to market? Or do you need business support for your feasibility study?
For scientists, doctors, and other employees of Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht, we organize a free and part-time 8-month program with workshops and coaching. You'll learn about the most important topics related to starting a business and you will be supported by industry experts.
The 8 month part-time program consists of:
- INTRODUCTION: Two weeks during which science based startups jointly work on masterclasses, gain practical experience with entrepreneurial skills and engage in team building activities for 3 to 4 days per week.
- CONTINUATION: During the rest of the program spend one to two mornings and/or afternoons per month on either a masterclass or a progress session. Next to that, mentors will be introduced who can give personalized advice and guide you through each step of the research validation journey.
Timeline
- Apply using the button below
- September 11 - 23.59: Deadline to send in your one-pager. Check your confirmation for 2 examples
- September 12: Announcement selection 1
- September 13, morning: Pitch & announcement selection 2
- October 2: Start of program
- June 27, 2024: Graduation Day
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WHAT WE OFFER
1. Funding
Pitch during Demo Day for the Rabo Pre-seed Fund and a loan up to €68.000.
2. Mentorship & coaching
Individual coaching and mentoring by experienced entrepreneurs and executives, combined with group sessions with the other startups.
3. Personal and team development
We guide startups, not just with their business, but also on a personal level. We help you in finding a complementary team.
4. Design your value proposition
Collaborate with you team on a value proposition your customers can't say 'no' to.
5. Office space
We offer a space in our co-working space or an office amongst the startups.
6. Network of graduates
After the program, you will become part of a network of 100+ startups who've been through the program themselves. You are free to access our experts and you will be invited to exclusive graduate events.
7. Learn to pitch
During the program, you regularly practice your 1-minute pitch, so that you are always ready to deliver your story in the best possible way.
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OUR MENTORS
Rutger Tulleken
CEO AMT Medical
Wietse Mulder
CEO GenDx
Dick Sietses
Partner Health Innovations
Karen Kragt
Partner/Co-founder van der Laan & Co
FAQ
1. Why should we participate in the validation program?
If you are ready to find out if there is a market demand for your solution. If you don't want to walk around with your idea for 3 years, but want to go for it, today, then the validation program is a big step forward. In 10 years, we have organized multiple programs and with that built an extensive network of mentors and experts, with which market validation can be accomplished within several months. Next to that, we are based in Utrecht and the heart of the Netherlands.
2. We already have a couple of customers and even raised funding. Are we still a fit?
The validation program helps you towards a strong team, the best customers, and your first investment. If you already have these, our accelerator program will be a better fit.
3. I am the only founder. Can I apply?
For our program, we are looking for entrepreneurs who want to validate their solution, which is also possible as a solo founder. We do believe in the strength of a team, so during the program we support your search for a co-founder.
4. We already have a team? Should we still apply?
The program is mainly focused on validation of your solution, so even if you already have a team, it is highly relevant to participate. With more co-founders you can validate even faster.
5. How much funding do we receive from UtrechtInc?
Startups and entrepreneurs do not get funding from UtrechtInc. You do get to pitch during Demo Day for the Rabo Pre-seed Fund for a loan up to €68.000.
6. What kind of startups are you looking for?
We are looking for startups with a scalable idea. This always includes technology and in 99% software as well. If you are not a developer yourself, but you can build an MVP with existing tools, you are also welcome and during the program we will support your search for a tech co-founder.
7. What variables influence your decision who gets to participate and who doesn't?
We are here for teams with at least 1 researcher, student, or alumnus affiliated with the UU, HU or UMC U. Next to that, we believe in the strength of a great team. It is important that you run a creative team with motivation and potential. We also take a look at how innovative your idea is. Your idea doesn't have to be completely new, but your implementation needs to be unique. You don't have any customers yet, maybe a potential launching customer, and you are looking for ways to change the world.
8. I am not based in the Netherlands, can I participate?
UtrechtInc focusses on founders based in Utrecht. This is where we have our partners and network and can therefore best support your startup. UtrechtInc unfortunately does not accept applications from startups outside of the Netherlands.
9. What does the program cost?
The program is completely free. Plus, we do not take equity in your startup. We even give you a discount to our co-working space or to an office, during the program. In case your startup goes sky high, we ask for a success fee over years 3, 4, and 5 after participation in the program. The exact fee will will vary depending on your revenue, so that you as a startup are not bothered by it.
10. I have other questions!?
For more questions, contact us and we're happy to help.
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